Ronaldo defends rude gesture

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo has explained himself after making a rude gesture towards some Bosnia & Herzegovina fans during a training session.

Ronaldo was the subject of 'Messi' taunts and had laser pens pointed at him throughout the session before Friday's Euro 2012 play-off draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina. The Real Madrid star responded by raising his middle fingers to the fans jeering him, but has received criticism in the media for his actions.

"Everyone is speaking badly of me, but why don't people criticise the lasers that were being aimed into my eyes," Ronaldo told the press. "They behaved in that way and so I reacted in my own way ..."

The game ultimately ended in a 0-0 draw, with the taunts continuing during the match, but Ronaldo claims he kept his cool on the pitch.

"I tried to keep calm as I knew that I could have been booked if I let the fans get to me," he said.

Portugal will host Bosnia & Herzegovina in the second leg on Tuesday night in Lisbon and will be looking to make home advantage count as they try to seal their place at Euro 2012.